The popular Gion neighborhood council in Kyoto Prefecture has banned tourists from photographing some of the city's landmarks. The ban comes after bad behavior by tourists who continued to harass residents, destroy property and commit abhorrent acts. Some residents and businesses had filed complaints, prompting the council to put warning signs at the entrance to Hanamikuji Road, imposing a fine of 10,000 yen ($ 92) if the filming was unauthorized.
The measure is part of local and central government efforts to deal with problems related to "excessive tourism" in the old capital, especially in Higashiyama.
Many traditional Japanese restaurants are located on Hanamikuji Street, which runs north to south across the Gion area.
In recent years the influx of tourists in this region, many of them do not know Japanese customs and traditions. Some of the behaviors of these tourists simply lack common sense and morality. Kyoto residents have long complained that visitors are smoking while walking, throwing garbage in the streets, walking in groups in the streets, and blocking car lanes.
The neighborhood council organized questionnaires on tourism to about 300 restaurants and shops in the area last summer. "He created a very dangerous situation."
The photography ban, which was enforced on October 25, aims to prevent tourists with a camera from chasing residents or trespassing on private property. Although the ban and fines are not legally binding, the intention is to convey a strong message to tourists. "Since Hanamikuji Street is the road to the city, we can't ban photography there," says the 56-year-old restaurant owner, Isukazu Ota. "Such areas are against local rules."